Danielle glanced around the venue, and what a venue it was. The soft white fairy lights twinkled against the starlit sky. A warm, soft breeze made her skirt dance around her knees. The white sand to her right separated the soft lapping tide from the manufactured dance floor. She glanced around one last time to make sure the table arrangements were perfect. The wedding party would be here any minute. She and Justin had worked hard to make sure the reception would be perfect for Jewell and Zane. The couple had been married on a majestic old schooner with the entire family on board. The wedding photographer wanted several fun pictures of Jewell and Zane, so that gave Justin and Danielle enough time to get back to Joseph's...well, mansion...and check on the reception, since they were in charge.

She felt Justin come up behind her and smiled as he pulled her into his chest. "Joseph's estate is beautiful." Justin made a noise that sounded like an agreement as he kissed her neck. "The torches add just the right ambiance and separation." She lifted her hand and held him to her neck. A shiver of desire danced over her.

"How much time do we have?" His words rumbled from his chest to her back. The sexy growl sent another pulse of desire through her. The man just needed to breathe for her to want him. Like this? He was irresistible.

"Maybe ten minutes. Is the food ready?" She glanced over at the buffet. Justin had flown two chefs to Aruba to prepare the feast. They tried to cater to both Zane and Jewell's tastes. The buffet selections embodied Zane's healthy lifestyle. The dessert tables? All Jewell. A chocolate and caramel fountain, and a long table with two hundred pieces of handmade candy. Jewell and Zane forewent the cake and asked for cupcakes. They were the centerpieces of each table, decorated to look like flowers. The effect was stunning.

Justin groaned and stood up straight. "Yes. We have about five minutes before they bring it out." He grabbed her hand and guided her toward a palm tree that had been adorned with white fairy lights. She could see the whitewater of the gentle waves as they landed on the shore beyond. Justin turned, so his back was to the beach and dropped to one knee. He held a small light blue box in his hands. "I know this is already a done deal, and you beat me to the punch, but I was planning to do this before you asked me, so here it goes. My beautiful princess, even though I've already agreed to marry you, will you do me the honor of wearing my ring?"

Danielle gulped for air because Justin's words and actions were every little girl's dream. He stared up at her, a smile spread across his handsome face. He was her Prince Charming. He’d slain her dragons and brought her home safely. He conquered empires and was fearless in the face of adversity. He was perfect, and he was hers. She nodded, blinking back her tears. It didn't work. She wiped at one that fell down her cheek. "Yes, of course, I'll marry you."

He slipped the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger before he stood, and when he did, Danielle threw herself at him. They held each other, rocking back and forth, dancing to music only they could hear.

"Congratulations."

Danielle jumped back and swung around. Tall, dark and unsociable, better known as Justin's brother, Joseph, stood at the far corner of the dance floor, just inside the shadows.

"Thank you." Danielle smiled and wiped away another tear.

"You didn't stay on the ship?" Justin accepted the handshake and hug when his brother made it across to them.

"No, Blake had reached his limit. He takes after his mom when he's tired. Cranky. I brought him home. My staff here spoil him rotten, so I'm sure he's having a blast inside."

Justin nodded and glanced at Joseph. "Does Ember know you call her cranky?"

Joseph's eyebrows shot up. "Do I look suicidal to you?"

From the embrace of her fiancé’s arms, she watched the brothers, happy to know that Justin was here and trying to become a part of the family that he'd shunned for far too long. They had both talked with his therapist, alone and together. Justin knew he had issues to address about his father's death. But he, like so many others who had experienced such a trauma, was a work in progress. She'd stand with him every step of the way.

Danielle wouldn't have it any other way. She glanced down at the beautiful ring on her finger and then at the family that had started to stream in. Laughter, love, and happiness permeated the warm, sweet atmosphere. She glanced up at Justin as he turned his gaze towards her. She held his eyes and knew that her forever was with this man.